Let’s face it. We all love stuff. Whether it’s that shiny new smartphone or that tiger graphic tee, wanting to own stuff is part of our human nature. It helps us feel secure and successful.
As a result, our personal consumption rate (aka the amount of products/resources we consume) is high. Now, this isn’t always a bad thing. We need stuff to live.
But it IS important to be in control of our consumption choices. Doing so helps us avoid both outrageous consumption (aka buying wayyyy too much) AND over-the-top minimalism (e.g. living on tiny food portions).
As humans, we need to discover the right amount of controlled consumption. So what is controlled consumption? Glad you asked.
Controlled consumption: striking the right balance
The definition of controlled consumption means to control how much stuff you consume. It might look like donating video games you don’t play anymore or deciding not to buy that new pair of sneakers.
“Ummm, that sounds really…harsh,” you might be thinking, slowly backing away from this article. But hear us out. Controlled consumption isn’t about depriving yourself of every need or want.
It’s about balance. If you’re a fan of the karate show Cobra Kai, you know that balance is a key element of karate. Having good balance and stability helps you make proper kicks and also avoid injuries.
The same concept applies to personal consumption. It’s about balancing how much stuff you consume, which directly impacts your happiness and financial well-being.
Think of the concept as a line with two endpoints. On the left end, you have minimalism. On the right, you have outrageous consumption.
Say hello to the Controlled Consumption Slider.
Both extremes (minimalism and outrageous consumption) aren’t great. Interesting fact: Many people believe that moving the slider to the right (like owning a private jet or every Gucci bag) will make them happy. But research tells us otherwise. More stuff actually causes us to enjoy life less.
But extreme minimalism, such as owning one spoon or two dress shirts, isn’t the answer either. It can lead to misery as we strip away things we love and deprive ourselves from wants. Key word here? Balance.
Controlled consumption also looks different over time. Maybe right now you fall more in the middle of the controlled consumption slider. And that’s okay. In the future, your older self (like 30-year-old you) will likely need less and edge toward minimalism.
On top of that, controlled consumption looks different for different people. You might consume more than your friends, or vice versa. There’s honestly no one-size-fits-all approach. We all must pave our own paths with personal consumption.
But a happy balance is to move away from outrageous consumption and more toward minimalism (without going too far).
How to control consumption choices
So how do you learn how to control your consumption choices? There are two ways. First, take a look in your closet. (Just trust us for a second!)
Do you have a lot of stuff (aka clothes, shoes, that missing sock you’ve been looking for)? What items actually bring you happiness? Are there any items you could donate to a thrift shop or toy drive? Find ways to declutter without going overboard.
If you’re thinking about buying something new, then ask yourself five simple questions:
- Can I really afford this item?
- What will I do with it?
- How often will I use it?
- Do I even really want it?
- Can I borrow the item from a friend?
Answering these questions can cut down on unnecessary stuff in your closet (and, you know, make for a cleaner room).
The second way to learn controlled consumption is simply by living. Experience is essential. Over time, you can better identify your “consumption blind spots,” or those purchases that bring momentary happiness that quickly fades away.
Maybe you love purchasing shiny new technology, like the latest mini-drone. Or you enjoy splurging every time American Eagle has a sale on jeans. These could count as consumption blind spots.
As you live your life, use the Controlled Consumption Slider as a point of reference.
Through your own experiences, you can start identifying consumption blinds spots and eventually find a place on the controlled consumption slider that’s your very own. 🙂